UTRECHT, Netherlands, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Champions PSV Eindhoven kicked off their Dutch title defence by thrashing Utrecht 5-1 on Saturday, with Ibrahim Afellay and Danny Koevermans scoring two goals each.

PSV dominated from the start against injury depleted opponents but had to wait until three minutes before the interval for the breakthrough when Afellay struck from 20 metres.

Nordin Amrabat and Koevermans took advantage of defensive blunders by Francis Dickoh minutes later to allow PSV to go 3-0 up at the break.

Afellay and Koevermans scored again in the second half before Rafael Uiterloo netted a rebound in stoppage time to hand the hosts a consolation goal.

PSV are top with three points, ahead of Groningen who won 4-0 at Vitesse Arnhem on Friday.

Ajax Amsterdam were in action later at Willem II Tilburg, while Feyenoord travel to Heracles Almelo on Sunday.